Outskirts of Tian Dou City.
A chaotic forest clearing swarmed with soul masters.
There stood Eisali, the new Spirit Hall Headquarters' Master—a Level 86 Soul Douluo—flanked by several Red Cardinals.
Representing Tian Dou Empire were Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin.
Also present: Canghui Academy's teachers and students, competitors in the upcoming tournament.
Why?
All evidence pointed to this spot as where Shi Nian, Canghui's missing team leader, had been killed.
Tension gripped Tian Dou City.
The Elite Tournament always saw underhanded tactics—but three months before the event? Unprecedented.
Why kill a team leader?
While leaders were essential, matches hinged on students' performance.
"Uncle Jian (Sword), any leads?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
Chen Xin frowned. "Two energy signatures here—one soul power, another… indescribable."
"I sensed it too. Can you trace it to a faction?"
Chen Xin shook his head.
This was the problem.
Only renowned experts could kill a Soul Saint like Shi Nian. Such figures left traces—distinct soul power, combat styles. Yet Chen Xin found nothing identifying the culprit.
"Gentlemen, discoveries?" Eisali approached, voice smooth as silk.
"What does Master Eisali think?" Ning Fengzhi countered with a polite smile.
"No conclusions yet," Eisali admitted. "The killer was efficient. Tian Dou City may face unrest."
"We'll have to rely on your vigilance, Master."
"The Spirit Hall will fulfill its duty. Please inform Emperor Xue Ye to reinforce city patrols."
Their hollow pleasantries ended with stiff nods.
"Fengzhi, could it be them?" Chen Xin's "them" meant the Spirit Hall—they'd used assassinations before.
Ning Fengzhi dismissed it.
Motive? Shi Nian was too insignificant for the Spirit Hall's attention.
He suspected unrelated vengeance—bad timing coinciding with the tournament.
With no leads, Ning Fengzhi (here only as a favor to the emperor) wouldn't waste effort on a minor player.
Canghui Academy would just have to swallow their loss.
Soul Land lost soul masters daily—neither the Spirit Hall nor the empire could avenge them all.
…
Shi Nian's death rippled through the city.
Yang Fan felt the tension while buying herbs.
Damn! He rushed back to his suburban hideout.
En route, he spotted Elephant Armor Academy's competitors—including Huyan Li, grandson of Sect Master Huyan Zhen.
As the clan's most gifted youth, Huyan Li was already famous among the Five Elemental Academies—even more than his own teammates.
Yang Fan disliked the Elephant Armor Sect.
But the original story mentioned Huyan Li possessed a soul bone.
Would Huyan Zhen give it to his grandson?
Did they even have it yet?
Yang Fan marked Huyan Li for future reckoning.
He quickened his pace—until a green-clad youth blocked his path.
Hostile intent! Yang Fan's eyes narrowed.
He'd avoided trouble in the city. Shi Nian's clean elimination left no traces.
Who was this?
When the youth turned, Yang Fan knew:
Feng Xiaotian!
Soul Land's #1 simp. (T/N: It's either him or Yan but considering Feng Xiaotian actually got together with Huo Wu, I'd say Yan is the bigger simp lol)
"So you're the one who crushed my little sister Huo Wu?" Feng Xiaotian's eyes narrowed, skeptical.
This kid looked 5–6 years younger than them—could he really dominate his goddess?
Yang Fan walked past without a word. He refused to engage in any interactions with simps.
But Feng Xiaotian wouldn't allow it!
In a flash, he reappeared before Yang Fan: "Fight me, or don't leave today!"
He'd waited here solely to avenge Huo Wu—and win her heart.
"Pathetic," Yang Fan muttered, stepping forward.
This time, Feng Xiaotian lost patience.
He struck!
"At least he's honorable," Yang Fan noted. Feng Xiaotian announced his move—refusing to seem dishonorable in victory.
His martial soul: Stormwind Doubleheaded Wolf—a mutated soul blending speed and offense.
Three soul rings pulsed around him as he attacked.
A three-ring Soul Elder?
Surprising—but fitting. Feng Xiaotian's talent surpassed Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang.
His body morphed partially into a wolf. Razor-sharp claws extended like Wolverine's.
Crossing arms, he unleashed ten crescent wind blades—sealing all escape routes.
Yang Fan calmly punched. Ferocious fist energy shattered all ten blades.
Step forward!
Flame erupted from his palm, slamming into Feng Xiaotian.
Feng Xiaotian was a prodigy—but against the Xuan-tier technique Blowing Fire Palm, he was helpless.
As he crashed to the ground, he realized: Huo Wu's loss wasn't unjust.
"How old are you?" Feng Xiaotian gasped.
This kid hadn't even summoned a martial soul—and still won?
Yang Fan didn't answer.
But he knew exactly which blabbermouth exposed his victory over Huo Wu.
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